The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 and the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x is the longer of the two lenses at 366mm. The Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 with a length of 323mm, is 43mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 128mm.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 weighs 2590g, which means it is 1030g (28%) lighter than the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x which has a weight of 3620g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 has a filter size of 112mm whereas the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 112mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 100-300mm f2.8 has a focal range of 100-300mm and
3.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
160 - 480mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 200-400mm f4L IS USM Ext 1.4x has a focal range of 200-400mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 320 - 640mm.
